IPL 2025 Points Table: Latest Standings and Playoff Race as of May 18, 2025
LATEST NEWSSPORTS
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in full swing, delivering thrilling cricket action as 10 teams battle for supremacy in the 18th edition of the world’s most exciting T20 league. With the league stage nearing its climax, the points table is a hot topic for fans, analysts, and fantasy cricket enthusiasts alike. As of May 18, 2025, the race for the top four playoff spots is intense, with upsets, washouts, and standout performances shaping the standings. This blog dives into the latest IPL 2025 points table, key highlights, and what’s at stake as the playoffs loom.
Understanding the IPL Points Table
The IPL points table tracks team performance throughout the league stage, where each of the 10 teams plays 14 matches in a home-and-away format. The system is straightforward:
Win: 2 points
No Result/Tie: 1 point each
Loss: 0 points
Net Run Rate (NRR): A tiebreaker calculated as the difference between runs scored per over and runs conceded per over. Higher NRR ranks teams above when points are equal.
The top four teams at the end of the league stage qualify for the playoffs, with the top two earning two chances to reach the final via Qualifier 1. The third and fourth teams face off in the Eliminator, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 to challenge the Qualifier 1 loser for a final berth. With 74 matches in total, including playoffs, every game impacts the standings, making the points table a dynamic reflection of the season’s drama.
IPL 2025 Points Table (as of May 18, 2025)
Here’s the current IPL 2025 points table, based on the latest updates:
Key Highlights of the IPL 2025 Points Table
1. RCB’s Rise to the Top
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lead the standings with 17 points from 12 matches, boasting 8 wins and a no-result against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17, 2025. The washout at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium earned RCB a crucial point, nudging them past Gujarat Titans to claim the top spot. Their NRR of +0.482 reflects a balanced squad, with standout performances driving their campaign. RCB need just one more win to secure a playoff berth, and two wins could ensure a top-two finish for a double shot at the final.
2. Gujarat Titans’ Strong Challenge
Gujarat Titans (GT) sit in second place with 16 points from 11 matches, having won 8 games. Their superior NRR of +0.793 highlights their dominance in both batting and bowling. With three matches in hand, GT are well-positioned to reclaim the top spot and are one win away from confirming a playoff spot. Their ability to close out tight games has kept them ahead in the race.
3. Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians Hold Playoff Spots
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are third with 15 points from 11 matches, including 7 wins and a no-result. Their NRR of +0.370 underscores their consistency. Mumbai Indians (MI) occupy the fourth spot with 14 points from 12 matches, bolstered by the league’s best NRR at +1.156. MI’s recent form makes them a formidable playoff contender, but they need at least two more wins to secure their spot.
4. Delhi Capitals in Contention, KKR Eliminated
Delhi Capitals (DC) are fifth with 13 points from 12 matches, just one win shy of the top four. They face a critical match against GT on May 18, 2025, which could propel them into playoff contention. Meanwhile, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been knocked out with 12 points from 13 matches. The May 17 washout against RCB ended their title defense, leaving them with no path to the playoffs.
5. Struggles at the Bottom
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have 10 points from 12 matches and need to win all remaining games to stay alive. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with 8 points, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with 6 points each, are out of the playoff race. RR’s NRR of -0.710 and CSK’s -0.990 reflect their struggles, with CSK suffering nine consecutive losses.
What’s Next for the Playoff Race?
The IPL 2025 league stage is approaching its final week, with crucial matches set to reshape the points table:
May 18, 2025: Rajasthan Royals vs. Punjab Kings (Jaipur, 3:30 PM IST) and Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans (Delhi, 7:30 PM IST). A GT win could lock in their playoff spot, while DC need a victory to close the gap to the top four.
May 19, 2025: Lucknow Super Giants vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST), a must-win for LSG to keep their slim hopes alive.
Playoff Schedule: Qualifier 1 (May 20, Hyderabad), Eliminator (May 21, Hyderabad), Qualifier 2 (May 23, Kolkata), and the final (May 25, Eden Gardens, Kolkata) will determine the champion.
The top four race is tight, with RCB, GT, PBKS, and MI currently in the driver’s seat. DC and LSG remain dark horses, but their margin for error is razor-thin. NRR will play a pivotal role if teams end up tied on points, making every run and over count.
Why the Points Table Matters
The IPL points table is more than just rankings—it’s a narrative of triumphs, setbacks, and strategies. For fans, it’s a guide to their team’s journey and a tool for fantasy cricket picks, where player form and match venues influence decisions. For teams, it’s a strategic compass, dictating whether to chase aggressively or defend conservatively to boost NRR. The table also captures the IPL’s legacy, from KKR’s 20-point dominance in 2024 to GT’s back-to-back top finishes in 2022 and 2023.
Tips for Fans Following the Points Table
Check Real-Time Updates: Visit iplt20.com, cricbuzz.com, or espncricinfo.com for live points table updates after each match.
Monitor NRR: Teams like MI and GT benefit from high NRRs, which could decide their fate in tiebreakers.
Track Key Matches: Matches like DC vs. GT and LSG vs. SRH will directly impact the playoff race.
Follow Playoff Scenarios: Understand how wins or losses affect top-two chances, as Qualifier 1 offers a significant advantage.
Engage with Fantasy Cricket: Use the points table to pick in-form players from top teams like RCB and GT for better fantasy points.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 points table is a rollercoaster of emotions, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru leading the charge at 17 points, followed closely by Gujarat Titans at 16. Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians round out the top four, while Delhi Capitals fight to break in. With Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings out of contention, the focus is on the fierce battle for playoff spots. As the league stage wraps up, fans can expect more twists, with every match shaping the road to the May 25 final at Eden Gardens.
Stay glued to hindustantimes.com, news18.com, or indianexpress.com for real-time updates, and catch live action on Star Sports or JioCinema. Who will lift the IPL 2025 trophy? The points table holds the clues—keep watching!